Chris Rentner

Chris Rentner is a successful entrepreneur and thought leader in the FinTech and BankTech industry. He is recognized as an innovator who has consulted startups, served on corporate and not-for-profit boards, and has been invited to speak at leading industry conventions. Chris is currently Director of Digital Lending at Velocity Solutions. Prior to that, he founded Akouba and served as its CEO from inception (2013) through the acquisition by Velocity Solutions in 2018. At Akouba, Chris played the lead role in developing and enhancing a white label SaaS solution that allows financial institutions to execute their lending strategy through a digital channel. Akouba was the youngest company ever to receive a product endorsement from the American Bankers Association.

Earlier in his career, Chris founded an asset management company where he worked with early stage companies to develop ideas, build products, raise capital for growth, and successfully navigate the M&A process. Chris is a graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and for nearly a decade following graduation, he worked in the maritime industry while also serving in the U.S. Navy Reserves, eventually being honorably discharged as a Lieutenant. He is a Founding Board Member of Chicago Leadership Alliance, a nonprofit organization that promotes philanthropy and civic engagement. Chris resides in Chicago’s West Loop, where he, his wife, and their dog Steve enjoy the area’s dynamic cultural and restaurant scene.